You can expect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs after a public transit accident, though the exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries and who is found liable.
Florida’s public transportation is a lifeline for millions, especially with buses connecting the state and city hubs. While buses, trains, and trolleys offer convenience and affordability, accidents involving public transit can leave both passengers and pedestrians with severe injuries.
If you are injured in a public transit accident, you might be liable for compensation. This guide explains your rights under Florida Law, how to build a strong claim, and ways our bus accident attorney in Winter Park can help you with the legal recovery process.
Common Types of Public Transit Accidents
Accidents involving public transportation can occur in various ways. Some of the common scenarios of public transit accidents include:
- Bus Collisions: Where a bus accidentally crashes into other vehicles, stationary objects, or pedestrians.
- Slip and Falls: Passengers boarding or exiting can slip due to wet floors or damaged steps.
- Sudden Stops or Sharp Turns: When drivers make abrupt turns, passengers might fall or get severely injured.
- Collisions with Trains or Trolleys: These can occur due to sudden mechanical failure.
- Pedestrian Injuries: People walking near accident scenes may have a risk of being struck.
Who is Liable in a Public Transport Accident?
Compared to car accidents, liable parties in a public transport accident can be many. The following entities are generally liable in a public transport accident:
- Public Transit Agency
Miami-Dade Transit, Broward County Transit (BCT), and others like LYNX are the largest public transit agencies in Florida. If the accident is caused by poor maintenance, inadequate driver training, or driver negligence, these agencies can be held liable.
- Driver or Operator
If the accident resulted from the operator’s negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws, the operator can be held accountable.
- Third-Party Drivers
If another motorist causes a collision with a public transit vehicle, they may be held liable for the injuries sustained by passengers or pedestrians.
- Maintenance Contractors or Equipment Manufacturers
Mechanical failures caused by faulty repairs or defective parts can make maintenance companies or product manufacturers liable.
- City or Local Government
If poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, the city or local municipality could share responsibility.
Steps to Take After a Public Transit Accident
If you have been injured in a public transit accident, take the right steps to protect your legal rights and secure your compensation.
- Take care of your own safety first.
Make sure you are safe and see a doctor immediately. Injuries can be more serious than they initially appear and may take time to develop further. Having a medical evaluation and documentation of injuries will be important for making any sort of claim.
- File a report
Report the accident to the driver or the operator of the public transit vehicle. They should report it officially and give you a copy for your files.
- Collect your evidence
Get as much evidence as possible while at the place of the accident. Take photos of the accident itself, of your injuries, and of any unsafe conditions that could have caused the accident. Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident if possible.
- Document everything
Be sure to document every treatment you get and any associated costs, any lost income, and any other expenses connected to your injury. Documentation is needed to determine your claim’s compensation.
- Consult a lawyer
Claims against the government can be complicated by various procedures that need to be followed precisely. Having a personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the claim process efficiently.
What Type of Compensation can I receive from a Public Transit Accident?
Injuries from public transit can lead to significant financial and emotional challenges. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Winter Park can help you receive the following types of compensation:
- Medical Expenses: It includes hospital bills, ongoing treatment, surgeries, medical costs and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages from physical pain and emotional distress caused by an accident.
- Future Losses: If your injury results in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation.
Typical Settlement Ranges in Public Transit Accidents
The table below shows general settlement ranges by injury types, acquired from most cases. Here’s a typical settlement range in public transit accidents:
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | $3,000 – $30,000 |
| Cervical Spine Injuries | $50,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Back Injuries | $25,000 – $200,000+ |
| Traumatic Brain Injuries | $150,000+ – $1 million+ |
| Catastrophic or Multiple Injuries | $500,000 – Several million |
What is Sovereign Immunity in Florida?
To bring a claim against Miami-Dade Transit or any other governmental body, you must be aware of Florida’s sovereign immunity laws. This means that the laws will shield any government body from being sued in some cases but give individuals the opportunity to file a negligence case if the conditions are met.
This can be broken down to:
- Notice Requirements: Notice of your claim has to be given to the proper governmental body before filing a lawsuit.
- Statutes of Limitations: You have three years to file a claim against the governmental body starting on the day of the incident.
- Damage Cap: The damage cap in such claims filed in Florida is $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.
Get Legal Help from a Bus Accident Attorney in Winter Park
A public transit accident can leave you facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At People for Law, we connect bus accident victims with experienced personal injury attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases. If your claim qualifies, a skilled Personal Injury Attorney in Winter Park will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, or you know someone who needs legal assistance, call (689) 208-0543 today or contact People for Law for a free consultation.